Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

Last year my dad had informed me he will be getting married in Tacloban the place his wife grew up in the Philippines . My dad said he would like all of his family members to attend since they couldn't go to the one in the United States. Carmina booked her flight during Philippine Airlines ’ year-end sale at the start of 2026. I told my dad about my travel plans for a short trip from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19. My cousins also asked for my flight details so they could book the same flight. My dad said he will book my room for me sharing with two family members at  Summit Hotel in Tacloban . Sending me the confirmation booking information for my reference.  As the months went by, before I knew it, the big day had finally arrived—a rare event that doesn’t happen too often. Everything had been carefully planned by my dad and his wife, Tita Cielo. When we arrived, the check-in time was 2 PM, but there was a mix-up with the rooms. Some were ready for check-in, but the one...

It’s not often we get to spend time with relatives visiting from the Philippines for a family member’s wedding. Carmina's father was getting married in Tacloban , and everyone flew miles to attend the big day. On the first day of our arrival, before the event began, my cousin Mariles suggested we have dinner together. Mariles asked if we enjoy eating seafood, and I told her we do. Carmina messaged all the family members Mariles wanted to invite and asked if they were free for dinner. Mariles had informed everyone we'll be having dinner at  Ocho Seafood & Grill  located in Tacloban. My dad arranged for a driver so we could all ride together in a van. Upon entering, Mariles informed all the family members that she had already preordered our meals. The only thing we had to order was our beverages. Crispy Kangkong with dipping sauce Calamaries with dipping sauce Sisig Pork Nilaga   Fish Chicken Inasal   Crab Shrimp Grilled Squid We also enjoyed pinakbet , though I ...

Family was informed by their friends to try  Blackbird at the Nielson Tower  and asked Mom Violy if she has ever been there before. Mom Violy had no clue what it was asked Carmina to look it up and see what kind of food they serve.  Carmina gave the phone number to Mom Violy make a reservation for a family lunch. On the day of the reservation, we arrived early and were allowed to enter before the official opening time of eleven o’clock in the morning. We decided to stay in the lobby, where we were asked if we wanted anything to drink. Carmina took videos inside and learned about the history by talking to the staff. One hour later, people started coming into the restaurant and took their seats at the reservation table, browsing the menu to decide what to order. Our family members were running late, but we didn’t get bored thanks to the friendly staff. More customers kept arriving and placing their orders, and we couldn’t help but glance at their dishes, curious about what ...

Carmina was craving shrimp ala king, but instead of buying it at a restaurant, decided to make her own at home since she already had some ingredients. I normally make bacon carbonara decided to change the recipe around since my main ingredient is shrimp. Shrimp Ali King Recipe Ingredient: 1/2 Kilo - Fresh Shrimp (peel shrimp, remove intestine and head) 1 - Nestle Cream 2 - Tbsp Butter  2 - Tbsp Minced Garlic 1 - Cup Canned Corn (drain liquid) 1 - Knorr Shrimp Cube Black Pepper Salt Garlic Powder MSG (optional) Spaghetti noodles Parsley Flakes (optional) Marinate the Shrimp by season it with black pepper, salt, garlic powder and msg set aside. Cooking instructions: Follow the instructions on the spaghetti package to cook the amount you plan to eat. Sauce Cooking instructions: In a pot, melt the butter over low heat, then add the shrimp. Once the shrimp turn pink, add the corn and garlic, and sauté. Pour in the Nestle cream and mix until it begins to simmer, then add the shrimp cube ...

Carmina will be traveling for the summer, and many people who haven’t been to the Philippines have asked for dried mangoes. Since we live here, we already know which brands taste just right, so the fun part is exploring to find the best deals. Carmina discovered  EM Shop  TikTok online shopping, 7D Dried Mango is being sold for 99.00 pesos per 100-gram pack. I asked about the expiration date and was told it would be in 2027. I purchased ten pieces, which arrived in a box secured with bubble wrap. Most of us prefer shopping online to save on gasoline costs, and the reasonable shipping fees make it easy on the wallet. Details from the back of the 7D Dried Mangoes package from Cebu City, Philippines, including the expiration date. NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube  and click on the subscribe button for more videos. Thank you for the support.

Carmina was shopping with Mom Violy at Robinsons Magnolia when she unexpectedly spotted onion rings while passing the freezer section. She remembered Becky mentioning them a few days ago, so she decided to grab a package since it was only around two hundred pesos. Carmina was putting away her groceries placing in the freezer began to read the package of Maestro Chicken Onion Rings later realized made a big mistake. I guess we learn something new when being preoccupied during our grocery shopping. The next day came decided to fry some chicken onion rings and found out they actually taste good dipping it with barbecue sauce.  Those who have family member and within a budget can purchase  Maestro Food Philippines  products check their Facebook see what other products they sell. NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube  and click on the subscribe button for more videos. Thank you for the support.

Mom Violy had been wanting to replace the bag she uses for her toiletries whenever she goes out. Carmina sent her links to various styles of bags in different colors—black, maroon, violet, khaki, blue, pink, and green—for her to choose from. Mom Violy decided on two black bags and one each in maroon and violet. Carmina then purchased the bags from  Doroll Philippines  Online Shopee offers prices between 203.00 and 205.00, as each color has a different price not including shipping and handling. Mom Violy said she likes the bag because it has a zipper with a front pocket for her belongings and a side compartment for a water bottle. NOT SPONSORED. Check out my videos @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube Channel  and click on the subscribe button. Thank you for the support.

It’s always been our tradition that when a birthday is coming up in our close group of friends, we take turns treating each other. Mom Violy picks the restaurant, and we all tag along. Tito Boni prefers to use his credit card for dining discounts. Each of us has a role—Tita Edna handles the venue reservations, and Carmina coordinates with everyone to capture videos and photos during the celebration. Tita Edna called  Seven Corners Restaurant to check if they have a buffet promotion for lunch on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. It has been confirmed booked for four adults noted it for someone's birthday. Mom Violy decided upon Seven Corners Restaurant remembering she used to eat there with her friend's long time ago. We were told that if you want to see the promotional offers for the coming month, you should check their Facebook page. Seven Corners restaurant offers a variety of international dishes where you can serve yourself or ask the server to bring food to your table if certain d...

It’s not every day you get a sushi delivery in such a unique box, with no idea what’s inside until you lift the flap and get drawn in. Inside, you find a clever cardboard bento box complete with ginger, soy sauce in a tiny tube, and wasabi, all ready for dipping your sushi. Carmina had ordered her twelve pieces sushi from Sushizen through Grab food which was located in Quezon City . Sushizen doesn't have a social media account can try looking up in Grab or Food Panda incase would like to place an order. Here is the address: The Zen Daily Box includes 4 pieces of crunchy salmon special, 4 pieces of tropical spicy salmon roll, and 4 pieces of dynamite chicken cutlet roll for 299.00 pesos ($5.07), excluding delivery and tip. Carmina was surprised that the sushi was bite-sized and quite small, so it’s best to order additional food if you want a more filling meal. NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube  and click on the subscribe button for more videos. Than...

Many of us know the feeling of entering a public restroom only to find there’s no toilet paper, or it’s placed outside and we forget to grab some in a rush. I’m not a fan of using toilet paper that others have touched, so I always prefer bringing my own just in case of an emergency. The brand I’ve always used is Sunicare, as we each have our own preferences, especially when it comes to sensitivity. Carmina discovered that Sunicare Philippines  offers a handy pack bathroom tissue with 60 pulls per pack , sold for 78.00 pesos ($1.32) each, excluding shipping and handling. You can also keep this in your car’s glove compartment, just in case you or other family members need it. NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube Channel  and click on the subscribe button fore more videos. Thank you for the support.

Many of us don’t usually wear formal shoes, so when invited to a formal occasion, we worry about whether we’ll be able to walk comfortably in them. Carmina started looking for formal shoes because the wedding motif required beige, but she didn’t have any in that color. She tried on shoes in some stores in the Philippines, but they were a bit too big and slipped off when she walked. With sensitive feet and a bunion , Carmina decided to check online, reading reviews from others with the same issue. She eventually found a store through TikTok Online Philippines . The store is  Orthorest Shoes  won't believe the price is reasonable those on a budget.  Carmina bought her Ortho Rest Women’s Bunion Shoes , orthopedic slip-on comfortable loafers with low heels, for 1,019.00 pesos ($17.27), excluding shipping and handling. Your new pair of shoes came with a free heel cushion . NOT SPONSORED. Check out my channel @ Carmina Lifestyle YouTube  and click on the subscribe button...

Sometimes when you spend too much time watching other people’s TikTok videos, you stumble upon something you actually need. Carmina was running out of shampoo and conditioner when I saw a trending product called  Khaokho Talaypu from Thailand, known for helping with hair problems. Since I have frizzy hair and usually go for products with coconut, I was immediately interested. I looked for a shampoo and conditioner set and found one for 469.00 pesos ($7.95), not including shipping and handling, with a 40% discount. I also checked reviews before buying, and they were all positive. It’s always important to do your own research before trusting what people say. I’ll be trying the product myself and will share my experience before officially recommending it. Carmina followed the instructions on the shampoo and conditioner for her hair, and after a few hours, I blow-dried mine. It felt soft and returned to its natural texture without any frizz, which had been my problem before. The sme...